Published: Monday, December 2, 2013 at 6:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, December 1, 2013 at 9:54 p.m.

North Marion shortstop Nico Torino plans to continue the school's recent success of sending players to the college ranks.

The senior recently committed to play at St. Johns River State College in Palatka.

Next spring, Torino will potentially play alongside three other North Marion alums. Dalton Southerland, Kyle Kalbaugh and Matt Grubb will play as freshmen for the Vikings this season.

“I've heard great things about the program from past teammates,” Torino said in a text message to the Star-Banner. “And after meeting the coaching staff and visiting SJR, it looks to be the program best fit for me.”

North Marion head coach Dale Hall likes Torino's chances at the next level.

“Nico has a good chance of stepping in right away at St. Johns,” Hall said. “He has all of the tools it takes to be a good college player, and he is very instinctive.”

With a college decision made, Torino is looking forward to his senior season with the Colts.

“It takes a lot of pressure off my shoulders,” he said. “... I still want to do well and produce for my team, but now it will be easier.”

Hall is looking forward to leaning on Torino this spring.

“Nico is a hard worker,” said Hall, who is entering his 10th season as North Marion head coach. “There aren't many days that he takes off. He has put the time in to give himself a chance at having a great senior year, and his work ethic is the number one reason why he has earned a scholarship.

“His biggest responsibility for us will be leading a team that doesn't have a great deal of experience.”

North Marion put eight seniors off last year's district-title winning team into the college ranks. This year's cupboard of seniors won't reach those standards in Sparr. Torino is one of three seniors, alongside second baseman Dalyn Jones and outfielder Jeff Bell.

“I've been around a lot of good leaders the past three years,” Torino said, “and this coming season we have a lot of younger players, and I know it's my turn to step up and help lead us to our ultimate goal, which is a state championship.”

<p>North Marion shortstop Nico Torino plans to continue the school's recent success of sending players to the college ranks.</p><p>The senior recently committed to play at St. Johns River State College in Palatka.</p><p>Next spring, Torino will potentially play alongside three other North Marion alums. Dalton Southerland, Kyle Kalbaugh and Matt Grubb will play as freshmen for the Vikings this season.</p><p>“I've heard great things about the program from past teammates,” Torino said in a text message to the Star-Banner. “And after meeting the coaching staff and visiting SJR, it looks to be the program best fit for me.”</p><p>North Marion head coach Dale Hall likes Torino's chances at the next level.</p><p>“Nico has a good chance of stepping in right away at St. Johns,” Hall said. “He has all of the tools it takes to be a good college player, and he is very instinctive.”</p><p>With a college decision made, Torino is looking forward to his senior season with the Colts.</p><p>“It takes a lot of pressure off my shoulders,” he said. “... I still want to do well and produce for my team, but now it will be easier.”</p><p>Hall is looking forward to leaning on Torino this spring.</p><p>“Nico is a hard worker,” said Hall, who is entering his 10th season as North Marion head coach. “There aren't many days that he takes off. He has put the time in to give himself a chance at having a great senior year, and his work ethic is the number one reason why he has earned a scholarship.</p><p>“His biggest responsibility for us will be leading a team that doesn't have a great deal of experience.”</p><p>North Marion put eight seniors off last year's district-title winning team into the college ranks. This year's cupboard of seniors won't reach those standards in Sparr. Torino is one of three seniors, alongside second baseman Dalyn Jones and outfielder Jeff Bell.</p><p>“I've been around a lot of good leaders the past three years,” Torino said, “and this coming season we have a lot of younger players, and I know it's my turn to step up and help lead us to our ultimate goal, which is a state championship.”</p>